Symbolic Representation

This card depicts a man hanging upside down with one foot tied from a Tau cross which is also sometimes drawn with the look of a tree branch. His free leg, the one not tied to the branch, is always bent to form an inverted numerical "4". He always showed with a calm expression on his face, as if he is not feeling any pain or suffering at all. His hands are tied at his back, probably with the cross itself.

Some decks also exhibit coins falling out of his pockets while he hangs upturned.

Tarot Story

Aiming to find his spiritual self, The Fool finally decides to settle under a tree. Residing there for a period of nine days continuously, without food, with solid determination, suddenly on the ninth day, he climbed the tree up to a branch from where, he dangled himself upside down. As if he had just given up for a second, all that he desires, discerns or is concerned for.

His perspective is changing towards everything, even when he sees coins fall from his pockets, thinking about them not as money but only as round bits of metal. Feeling as if he's dangling between the material world and the immaterial world, it is an astounding moment for the Fool to be able to envision both the worlds together. Making relations he never knew before, mysteries which were hidden away, were now being revealed.

Then he realizes that he must correct himself sooner than later, after which, things will change, but only if he acts wisely and quickly on what he's learned. For now, however, he just dangles like a leaf from the tree, viewing, grasping and learning all he can.

Tarot Connotation

With Neptune or Water as its ruling planet, the Hanged Man is a card about consideration, divination and suspension. A time for altruism and submission, this is the period in the Seeker's life when he has stopped defying. Instead, he makes himself open to opposition, and in doing so, gains enlightenment. Answers that never came clear to him/her till now, solutions for all the problems he/she ever had. The Seeker now views the world in a different way. Also experiencing spiritual insights, this card signifies a period of respite and consideration before moving on.

Neptune symbolizes mysticism, imaginings and clairvoyant abilities and the Hanged Man is floating in these.